Integrative Medicine

Health is achieved by maintaining the body in a balanced state.

The goals of conventional western medicine and eastern (Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM) medicine are the same: both strive to promote health and prevent disease. To achieve better results, the two therapies are used together to form an integrative or complimentary medicine.

Mobile Pet Vet offers both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal treatments. We may also refer clients to other practices for chiropractic or class 4/cold laser.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest medical practices in the world. It is one of the key modes of treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is used for preventative and acute health care. According to TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces. In order to use acupuncture in an integrative way, it is important for the practitioner to fully understand both western and eastern veterinary medicine.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture uses our life energy, Qi, that courses through the body in channels or "meridians." Proper energy and energy movement creates a state of health. If there is a block in the energy or lack of energy, there is pain, weakness or illness. Insertion of acupuncture needles at specific points along the meridians of the body stimulates energy movement and balance.

In western terms, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones such as endorphins (used in pain control) and cortisol (the body’s natural anti-inflammatory).

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is indicated for pain, inflammation, and paralysis. Some common problems treated with acupuncture include:

Arthritis

Disc disease

Feline asthma

Constipation or diarrhea

Skin conditions: lick granulomas, wounds, and chronic conditions where western medicine alternatives have been exhausted

Internal Medicine conditions – kidney failure, liver failure, etc

Neurologic diseases

Is acupuncture painful?

Side effects are extremely rare but it is possible to see worsening of symptoms for up to 48 hours after treatment, and some animals may become more sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours. These effects are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.

How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?

It depends upon the condition of the patient but they may take as little as 10 seconds or as long as 30 minutes. Acute conditions, like a simple sprain, may take only one treatment while more chronic conditions may require multiple weekly sessions.

A positive response is usually seen after 1-5 treatments. Typically treatments are done weekly for 4-8 treatments and then tapered to the longest effective duration.

What other therapies can be used in conjunction with acupuncture?

Since our veterinarians are trained in both traditional western medicine and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine – including acupuncture and herbal therapy), we aim to provide an integrated approach to our medical cases. We will utilize all forms of therapy that are warranted and desired for your pet’s specific condition.

How do I pick a practitioner?

There are two important criteria to look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:

1. Your veterinary acupuncturist should be a licensed veterinarian (in order to be able to utilize both traditional western medicine and eastern medicine to provide the best outcome for your pet).

2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals – i.e. IVAS certification or certification from the Chi Institute.

Chinese Herbs

What kinds of conditions are treated with Chinese herbs?

Most any condition recognized in traditional medicine can be treated with Chinese herbs. They can be used on their own, or combined with other conventional therapies or prescriptions. They’re especially helpful for chronic conditions and issues common in geriatric animals—relieving pain, improving or restoring organ function, strengthening the immune system. Herbal prescriptions address the root cause of an illness, rather than simply controlling symptoms. They are often combined with acupuncture treatments to help prolong the positive affects of the acupuncture treatment.

Where do the herbs come from?

You can’t purchase TCM herbs over the counter; a prescription is required. The herbs used in veterinary practice are human-grade, and have been tested for purity and quality. They’re safe and effective and most can be used long-term with no or minimal side effects, when prescribed and used appropriately.

How long does treatment take?

Most herbal prescriptions are used for a longer duration than typical pharmaceutical drugs, but improvement can usually be seen within the first two weeks.

What formulations do herbal medications come in?

The formulations will vary depending on the type of condition being treated and the species involved. Typically pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, topicals, and concentrated extracts in powder or granule form are used.

Ozone

Oxygen therapies like ozone have been used to promote healing for decades, and are increasing in popularity as scientists learn more about how they work. Ozone therapy and hyperbaric treatments both make easily-soluble oxygen available to tissue, and show promise for treating viruses, fungi, and bacteria, and for improving inflammation and promoting healing.

Nutrition Consultation

We offer recommendations for commercial diets as well as help with providing recipes for homemade diets tailored to each pet’s medical needs. We may also recommend dietary supplements, like probiotics, joint supplements, or fish oil.

Nutrition often doesn’t get the attention it deserves during veterinary visits, but it’s vitally important to your pet’s health and well-being. It’s an integral part of preventative care that will hopefully help keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

Other modalities we may recommend – we do not have this ourselves but work with practices to offer our clients this:

Class 4/Cold Laser

What is laser therapy?

Laser light has positive effects on different types of cells and tissue, and can be used to treat various disorders. It’s delivered non-invasively, through a hand piece. All your pet feels is a soothing warmth, and an almost immediate relief of pain.

What types of conditions can be treated with laser therapy?

Wounds, injuries, fractures, skin conditions, neurological disorders, and pain may all respond to laser treatment, whether the result of trauma/injury or simply age. Laser therapy is a drug-free way to speed healing and provide pain relief.

When will I see improvement in my pet?

You may see results after the first treatment, but some conditions require a series of treatments.

Are there any side effects?

There are no known side effects to laser therapy.

Chiropractic

The nervous system is the body’s communication system, and anything that adversely affects it can have negative effects on the entire body. It’s also intertwined (literally and figuratively) with the musculo-skeletal system – the spine protects the communications hub of your pet’s body, and anything that is out of alignment or not moving as it should can have a negative impact. Chiropractic issues can affect your pet’s mobility and cause pain and even organ dysfunction. If not addressed, these issues can negatively impact your pet’s well-being and quality of life.